U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Lorain) is calling on the U.S. General Services Administration to name the Federal Building in Canton after retiring U.S. Representative Ralph Regula (R-Navarre).

 On Dec. 11, 2008, the city of Canton will break ground on a new federal building at McKinley Avenue and Third Street, S.W., in Canton.

"Naming this new building in Congressman Regula's honor is an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions he has made to Ohio and to the Congressional district he has long represented," Brown wrote in a letter today to GSA Acting Administrator Jim Williams.

Brown said Regula's "vision and dedication to both state and country" serve as a model for all public servants.

"I strongly urge GSA to recognize Congressman Regula and his service to Ohio by naming the federal building in his honor," Brown wrote.

Regula is being replaced by state Sen. John Boccieri (D-Alliance) in Ohio's 16th Congressional District. Regula was first elected to represent the 16th in 1973.

Brown wrote that during Regula's legislative career, he lent the strength and perspectives gained from his time as a public school teacher, a country lawyer, and a U.S. Navy veteran to his service.

"As a Republican leader in the House Appropriations Committee, he worked across party lines to improve the lives of Ohioans by bolstering the education system, strengthening health care, and enhancing workforce training programs," Brown wrote. "Without his leadership, the historic redevelopment of the Ohio and Erie Canalway and the creation of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park - one of the most visited parks in the U.S. -  would not have been possible."